Delivering in an understated depth throughout, Gretchen Parlato opens reflectively through ‘Within Me’, with drummer Kendrick Scott executing an intricate textured preface to Simply Red’s ‘Holding Back the Years’. Taking us into the works by legends such as Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, Parlato organically brings her musical stamp adding percussive accents that further give her captivating command while double-bassist Alan Hampton’s haunting bow into ‘Juju’ sets the perfect introductory tone.

Bassist turns guitarist and vocalist, in his original ‘Still’ also includes Parlato’s sung lyrics bringing the audience to clap an 11/4 measure – successfully. The evening was also seasoned with samba hit ‘Alô Alô’, revealing Parlato’s inherent sense of rhythm and timing, wrapped in raindrop like vocal percussion. ‘Circling’ featured a stunning piano solo from Taylor Eigsti who continued to accompany with instinctual dreamy delicate delight under Parlato’s hushed presentation of ‘Better Than’.

Closing the night with wordless allure, Parlato conserved a space in constant seamless authentic flow supported by virtuosic sensitive band.

– Samrit Teckle